Fixed Satellite Communications are used for multiple applications within government and defence operations. The fixed communication infrastructure is the permanent, or semi-permanent, backbone link between headquarters and remote operation sites. In many cases, these sites are located in hotspots, or remote areas, around the world that have no access to terrestrial communication infrastructure.

The amount of data, voice and video exchanged between the headquarters and remote sites has grown substantially along with an ever-increasing number of applications. Government and defence customers continuously seek solutions to increase satellite link efficiency, to find available satellite bandwidth, and to drive down satellite bandwidth costs. While in operation, the satellite link needs to be available at all times to assure mission critical communications.

Government + Defence Applications
Fixed Satellite Communications infrastructures are deployed for a wide range of applications within government operations. The fixed communications establish a backbone link between headquarters and remote sites, and combine a number of services that are key to the success of the operation and the welfare of the deployed personnel. Applications for fixed communications include...

Newtec has introduced their FlexACM® technology for fixed communications over satellite at full efficiency. Simultaneously, optimal availability can be achieved in any fading conditions (inclined orbit satellites, weather, dust, interference) to maintain mission critical communications running at all times.

The permanent or semi-permanent satellite link is established between remote locations (base, office, mission, school, hospital) and headquarters/uplink in a point-to-point or star (point-to-multipoint) configuration. Newtec satellite hubs, or modems, are installed on each side of the satellite link.

FlexACM combines the DVB-S2 standard with a set of technologies in order to double the throughput over satellite in the same bandwidth, with the capability to combine different services (video, voice, data) or applications (morale, welfare and recreation, medical, logistics, etc.) within the same satellite carrier.

Newtec can reflect on a track record of fixed satellite installations worldwide for a wide range of civil, state and defence applications. One striking example is the connection to Antarctica for climate research. Other examples include support for various humanitarian mission communications and for linking remote bases with homeland headquarters.

The Newtec modulators, demodulators and modems are based on DVB-S2, the adopted standard for communication over satellite for data, video, and voice, allowing for full interoperability. Newtec acquired thorough knowledge on DVB-S2 as a pioneer on this global standard. Over the years, Newtec has established an outstanding reputation for its quality and reliable SATCOM equipment.

Global Connectivity
Humanitarian missions into man-caused or natural disaster areas, scientific research projects, and peacekeeping operations, bring government and defence agencies into remote locations worldwide to institute assistance. Often, terrestrial communication infrastructure is completely unavailable, or has been destroyed. Other forms of communication cannot operate over national terrestrial incumbent telecom infrastructures due to the sensitive nature of the information tghat needs to be exchanged (embassies, intelligence, etc.)

Through Newtec technology a satellite link can be established quickly anywhere in the world. Initial and highly essential communication can be established quickly to assess the situation at hand and to enact appropriate solutions. A permanent link over satellite allows the agencies involved to manage their operations and to more readily exchange video, voice, and data without interruption.

Same Bandwidth, More Throughput
Due to the increase in government and defence missions, the amount of data, video, and voice shared over fixed satellites links has grown substantially. The boost in charged rates needs to be matched to the satellite capacity.

In order to overcome such challenges (both physical and monetary), Newtec deploys FlexACM technology with their equipment. FlexACM uses the full capability of DVB-S2 and combines it with different technologies to deliver as much data as possible using the same satellite bandwidth. FlexACM will auto-adaptively set modulation parameters to their optimal point as well as overcome distortion, noise ,and variation in the satellite link. Newtec gets as close to the zero margin limit as possible to allow for the full use of the satellite link. Through FlexACM, the data rates between uplink and remote sites can be doubled in the same bandwidth without the need to acquire extra satellite capacity.

FlexACM is but one technology in the Newtec product offering that squeezes more efficiency of data delivery over satellite. Additional Newtec technologies such Clean Channel Technology, Cross-Layer-Optimization and Bandwidth Cancellation will additionally boost the performance and increase the throughput.

 Newtecs Bandwidth Cancellation takes care of Point-to-Point, Point-to-MultiPoint and inclined orbit satellite networks and increases link efficiency by as much as 30 percent by combining the forward and return transmissions in the same satellite bandwidth.

 Newtecs Clean Channel Technology improves links even further by offering an advanced filter technology that allows for a low roll-off factor and optimal carrier spacing, which adds 20 percent in extra efficiency.
Newtec was first in the market with the Cross-Layer-Optimization concept. The Cross-layer technology is the combination and interaction between satellite bandwidth management, IP shaping, and acceleration solutions, in order to allow maximum throughput all of the time.

Optimal Availability
Even in the most harsh and hostile conditions it is important to have communication lines over satellite available at all times to exchange mission critical and life-saving information. However, fading conditions can seriously disturb satellite transmissions and lead to temporary link losses. Fading conditions could be due to different circumstances: the choice of satellite (inclined orbit, Ku-, Ka- and X-band), environmental (rain, dust), or interference between two adjacent satellites.

Thanks to the auto-adaptive technology incorporated within Newtecs FlexACM, fading conditions no longer interrupt the transmission between the hub and remote sites, nor is there a loss of data. In fading conditions, FlexACM switches to a more robust modulation and provides optimal availability. As soon as the fading conditions disperse, FlexACM technology automatically switches back to maximum efficiency. Moreover, through flexible bandwidth management and Quality of Service management, priority can be given to mission critical services in order to meet SLA (Service Level Agreement) requirements

During the entire operation, it is possible to sustain Committed Information Rates (CIR). Newtec is the only provider in the market with FlexACMs unique option to provide variable as fixed rate throughput in DVB-S2 ACM (Adaptive Modulation and Coding) to fulfill SLA requirements. By bringing fixed rates and CIR to ACM, the Company addresses the service providers in point-to-multipoint configurations with constant throughput at optimal availability in the most efficient way.

In comparison to legacy and DVB-S2 CCM (Constant Coding and Modulation) networks, Newtecs fixed ACM brings more than 70 percent extra bandwidth for committed information rates. The buffer (fluctuating) bandwidth can be used for occasional services or non-critical information transport over satellite.

Maximized Efficiency For IP Traffic Via Inclined Orbit Satellites
Government agencies increasingly look into transmitting their applications and services over Inclined Orbit Satellites. The driving factor behind the transition towards inclined orbit birds is an operating cost (OPEX) consideration. The inclined satellites provide a good alternative as they reduce the bandwidth costs in half. Another driver for their use is the need to source bandwidth over regions where satellite capacity is scarce.

In order to extend the life of a satellite, some satellite operators decide to place the satellite in an inclined orbit. The switch towards inclined orbit operation has repercussions on the availability of the services as the satellite footprint shifts in a predictable and continuous pattern. Implementing technology to optimize the throughput over inclined orbit satellites is more essential than ever in order to increase margins, to keep OPEX under control, and to flexibly groom government missions regardless of the missions location on Earth.

Flexibility
Flexibility is a key asset for government satellite communication equipment in order to anticipate the needs of continuous changing missions, services and areas of operation.

Through Newtec technology, new remote sites can be easily added to the network. Data, voice, or video services for different government applications are aggregated in a single carrier to obtain maximum efficiency out of the satellite link. At any time, these services can be removed, added or replaced. Moreover, the different services and applications will receive a prioritization scheme in order to ensure critical mission information passes first. FlexACM® allows government agencies to keep their cost under control at all time.

OPEX Control
Government and defence agencies must ensure their costs are under control at all times. A solution for this need can be found by leasing commercial bandwidth, making use of inclined orbit satellites, or by turning to COTS equipment. However, most important is implementing technology to share information as efficiently as possible over satellite.

FlexACM doubles the throughput of video, voice, and data over satellite  more data can be transported in the same bandwidth, or, space segment requirements can be cut by half if identical rates will be used in future. Moreover, no extra or new ground infrastructure (antenna or amplifier) needs to be acquired to enable the higher data rates.